Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a tactical role-playing game available for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. It’s been 10 years since the original Valkyria Chronicles launched and Valkyria Chronicles 4 returns to the time period where it all began. In this tactical role-playing game you are in control of a military squad known as Squad E and are thrust into the battle between the Atlantic Federation and the Eastern Imperial Alliance.
Do you and your teammates have what it takes to be victorious? More importantly, does Valkyria Chronicles 4 succeed where Valkyria Revolution failed? Let’s find out!
Valkyria Chronicles 4 Details
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Developers: Sega, Media. Vision
Publisher: Sega
Genre: Tactical role-playing
Modes: Single-player
ESRB Rating: T (Teen)
A story of sacrifice and endurance
If you haven’t played any of the previous games in the Valkyria Chronicles series, you’re in luck. Valkyria Chronicles 4 brings us back to the time period where it all started. The Atlantic Federation forces fight against the Eastern Imperial Alliance in what is known as the Second European War. Though, Valkyria Chronicles 4 focuses on the journey of Claude Wallace—an eager and capable leader of Squad E.
Your squad is composed of childhood friends who have the hope of creating a peaceful world for all. However, the Atlantic Federation constructs Operation Northern Cross. This is a last-ditch effort to push through enemy lines and capture the Imperial capital. With the likelihood of never returning home, Squad E must come together to overcome insurmountable odds.
Consequently, Valkyria Chronicles 4‘s story unfolds in one of two ways. The first being Book Mode, which retells events that lead up to engagements. The second is through Command Mode, where you take control of Squad E and lead them to victory in battle. I found that this adds variety to the game and allows the story to play out in different and unique ways.
Virtually perfect tactical-based gameplay
As a tactical role-playing game, gameplay in Valkyria Chronicles 4 is centred around your balanced use of both Command Points and Action Points. Additionally, missions require you to complete a specific objective in order to be victorious. For example, you may have to defeat an enemy in a specific time limit or capture an entire enemy’s camp. And, there are environmental factors to take into consideration during battle. Making the wrong move can either make or break you.
Command Points are used for actions on the battlefield. And, the unused points are brought forward to the next round. Upon entering battle, the game shifts from a top-down view to a third-person view. In addition, there are commands that use CP that increase defense and offer healing. You’ll also see a bar that will show you your current AP that is available for every unit.
There are six different classes in Valkyria Chronicles 4. Scout, Shocktrooper, Sniper, Engineer, Lancer, and Grenadier. As you might have expected, each of the six different classes offer advantages and disadvantages on the battlefield. For example, Grenadiers and Engineers are the most essential. They can turn the tides of battle to your favour in a blink of an eye. Likewise, Grenadiers are also great for taking out threats from a distance. Thus, making it easier to move forward.
Gorgeous watercolour visualsÂ
Valkyria Chronicles 4 continues the series tradition using watercoloured cel-shaded graphics. The visuals look as if they are right out of a storybook. They have a unique charm about them that I really adore. In addition, I found that the anime-style characters fit perfectly into the world around them and never once looked out of place.
Equally important is the game’s soundtrack. It is an absolutely masterpiece! It perfectly compliments the on-screen action. And, I found that overall it added to my enjoyment and time with the game.
Valkyria Chronicles 4 is a great place for those new to the series to jump in and offers a memorable experience that should not be missed
In conclusion, I found Valkyria Chronicles 4 to be a tactical role-playing lovers dream come true. I really enjoyed how the side stories for each of your team members revealed useful information about their past. Furthermore, I felt that it actually helped to draw me in and care about the characters in the game.
Furthermore, even though this is the fourth game in the series, it is a perfect place for those that have never played a game in the franchise to jump in. You’ll never feel like you are missing out on any back story. And, the game’s tutorial make it easy to learn the controls with ease.
Finally, if you are fan of tactical role-playing games, love a good story and adore watercoloured cel-shaded graphics, you defiantly don’t want to miss Valkyria Chronicles 4.
+ No prior knowledge of the series is needed to play and enjoy the game
+ Beautiful watercoloured visuals
+ Captivating story
+ Addicting tactical gameplay
+ Meaningful side missions
– Occasional poor camera angles lead to getting hit without seeing enemy before hand
OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF VALKYRIA CHRONICLES 4
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4.5/5
Sound: 4.5/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4/5
Overall Rating 4.4/5 (88%)
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